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Weekend Pilot Jobs in Washington, DC (NOW HIRING)

Ideal Aerosmith

RC Pilot

Rockville, MD · On-site

The RC Pilot will serve as a pilot and hands-on technical member of Ideal Aerosmith's UAS flight operations team, supporting developmental flight testing, aircraft production, and customer operations.

Ideal Aerosmith

RC Pilot

Rockville, MD · On-site

The RC Pilot will serve as a pilot and hands-on technical member of Ideal Aerosmith's UAS flight operations team, supporting developmental flight testing, aircraft production, and customer operations.

TalentBridgeX

E-UAS Pilot/Technician

Washington, DC

E-UAS Pilot/Technician Location: Washington, DC, and Maryland Work Arrangement: Onsite / event ... Support variable schedules and nationwide travel, including nights, weekends, holidays, extended ...

New

Ideal Aerosmith

UAS Pilot

Rockville, MD · On-site

$90 - $120/hr

The UAS Pilot will serve as a pilot and hands-on technical member of Ideal Aerosmith's UAS flight operations team, supporting developmental flight testing, aircraft production, and customer ...

Heven AeroTech

Chief UAS Pilot

Sterling, VA · On-site

Chief UAS Pilot Company: Heven AeroTech Location: Sterling, Virginia FLSA: Exempt Reports To: U.S. President of Operations About Our Company: At Heven AeroTech (Heven), we don't just believe in the ...

PSA Airlines

Maintenance Technical Pilot

Arlington, VA · On-site

Maintenance Technical Pilots (MTPs) will use excellent communication and teamwork, along with their knowledge of company operations and manuals to further improve PSA policies and procedures. Job ...

PSA Airlines

Pilot Cadet Program

Arlington, VA · On-site

Your eligibility begins once you complete your Private Pilot Certificate. * Successfully complete an interview with PSA to become a Cadet in the program. * Cadets are offered numerous opportunities ...

CAE, Inc.

KC-135 Pilot Instructor

Washington, DC · On-site

Provides KC-135 Pilot procedures instruction in aircraft, classroom, and simulator or other platform environments. * Provides training for Visual Threat Recognition Avoidance Training (VTRAT)

CAE, Inc.

KC-135 Pilot Instructor

Washington, DC · On-site

Provides KC-135 Pilot procedures instruction in aircraft, classroom, and simulator or other platform environments. * Provides training for Visual Threat Recognition Avoidance Training (VTRAT)

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All JobsPilot JobsWeekend Pilot JobsWeekend Pilot Jobs in Washington, DC

Weekend Pilot information

See Washington, DC salary details

$56K

$148.2K

$227.6K

How much do weekend pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for weekend pilot in Washington, DC is $148,221.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $113,200.00 and $175,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a weekend pilot?

Weekend Pilots are licensed aviators who typically fly aircraft on weekends, often working part-time or on a flexible schedule. They may fly for private individuals, charter companies, or recreational purposes, and sometimes assist with sightseeing tours, aerial photography, or transporting passengers and cargo. Weekend Pilots must meet the same licensing and training requirements as full-time pilots, but their flying hours are usually limited to Saturdays and Sundays. This role is ideal for experienced pilots seeking a part-time commitment or aviation enthusiasts looking to maintain their skills.

What does a weekend pilot do?

A weekend pilot has similar job duties as pilots who work during the week. The primary difference is they work over the weekend. Your specific job duties vary, depending on the kind of plane you fly and if you are a commercial or cargo pilot. General responsibilities for commercial pilots include studying weather reports and schedules, evaluating the fuel load requirements, preparing the flight plan, ensuring safety for passengers, and checking all hardware for plane safety and navigation equipment. Cargo pilots discuss the goods being transported with the shipping company and clarify where the load needs to be delivered. They ensure the shipment has been loaded completely and is adequately secured, and delivers it on time when possible. Weekend pilots work Saturdays and Sundays, but may also have shifts on Fridays or Mondays.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a weekend pilot, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Weekend Pilot, you generally need a valid pilot’s license (such as a Private Pilot Certificate), strong knowledge of aviation regulations, and proficient flight skills. Familiarity with navigation systems, aircraft instrumentation, and weather assessment tools is crucial, and sometimes an FAA medical certificate or additional ratings may be required. Exceptional decision-making, communication, and situational awareness help pilots adapt to changing conditions and ensure passenger safety. These skills and qualifications are essential for safe, compliant, and effective operation of flights, especially when flying on tight schedules or in variable weekend conditions.

What are some common challenges weekend pilots face when balancing flying with other commitments?

Weekend pilots often juggle their flying schedules with full-time jobs or family responsibilities, which can make it difficult to log consistent flight hours and maintain proficiency. Weather delays, aircraft availability, and airspace congestion are typical challenges that can disrupt planned flights. To stay current and confident, many weekend pilots join flying clubs, coordinate with other pilots for shared rentals, and make use of online scheduling tools to maximize their time in the air while managing other commitments.

What is the difference between Weekend Pilot vs Part-Time Flight Attendant?

AspectWeekend PilotPart-Time Flight Attendant
Required CertificationsCommercial Pilot License (CPL), FAA medical certificateFlight Attendant Certification, CPR/First Aid
Work EnvironmentAircraft cockpit, airports, flight operationsPassenger cabin, airports, in-flight service
Employer & IndustryAirlines, charter companiesAirlines, private jet services
Common Search & ComparisonWeekend Pilot vs Part-Time Flight Attendant

Weekend Pilots typically hold commercial pilot licenses and operate aircraft, focusing on flying duties during weekends. Part-Time Flight Attendants primarily provide passenger service and safety onboard, often working part-time hours. Both roles are essential in the aviation industry but differ in responsibilities, certifications, and work environment.

Do weekend pilots work on weekends?

Weekend pilots typically work on weekends as part of their scheduled shifts, which often include Saturday and Sunday flying hours. Their schedules depend on the employer, flight routes, and operational needs, and they may need to be flexible with their availability. Certification and safety regulations also influence their work hours and scheduling.
More about Weekend Pilot jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Pilot jobs in Washington, DC?

The most popular types of Pilot jobs in Washington, DC are:

What are popular job titles related to Weekend Pilot jobs in Washington, DC?

For Weekend Pilot jobs in Washington, DC, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Weekend Pilot jobs in Washington, DC look for?

The top searched job categories for Weekend Pilot jobs in Washington, DC are:

Weekend Pilot jobs near you
Infographic showing various Weekend Pilot job openings in Washington, DC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 62% Full Time, 33% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 87% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $147,719 per year, or $71 per hour.

RC Pilot

Ideal Aerosmith

Rockville, MD • On-site

Full-time

Posted 14 days ago

Job description

Ideal Aerosmith is a leading supplier of precision inertial guidance test systems, flight motion simulators, and a premier provider of aerospace test engineering services, ATE system engineering, and quality contract manufacturing services to the aerospace industry. We're experts and we earn that title everyday with our customers through innovative engineering, manufacturing, and sustainment of world-class motion and electric test solutions and services. 

Here, we don’t just solve complex problems - we redefine what’s possible. Every role at Ideal Aerosmith supports a lean culture through continuous improvement - ongoing, incremental enhancements to products, processes, or services aimed at reducing waste and boosting efficiency, customer service, and performance. With a team of skilled problem solvers and a culture that thrives on tackling challenges head-on, we are dedicated to our clients' success. Enjoy competitive benefits, a supportive work environment, and every other Friday off to recharge.

The RC Pilot will serve as a pilot and hands-on technical member of Ideal Aerosmith’s UAS flight operations team, supporting developmental flight testing, aircraft production, and customer operations. This position requires demonstrated flight experience with both Group 2 and Group 3 fixed-wing UAS, including strong manual flight proficiency using RC-style transmitters or equivalent external flight controls.

This role will support the final assembly, integration, functional checkout, and flight-readiness verification of aircraft and associated systems. Flight responsibilities will include functional check flights, internal research and development (R&D) sorties, developmental flight testing, and current and future customer demonstrations.

When not conducting flight operations, the UAS Pilot will work directly alongside engineering and production teams to assemble, inspect, troubleshoot, integrate, and prepare aircraft for flight. The ideal candidate combines professional aviation discipline, advanced fixed-wing UAS piloting skills, and the technical aptitude to contribute directly to aircraft development and production.

Job Responsibilities

  • Serve as a UAS Pilot for Group 2 and Group 3 fixed-wing aircraft, supporting functional check flights, developmental flight testing, internal R&D sorties, and customer demonstrations.
  • Manually operate fixed-wing UAS during launch, recovery, flight test, and abnormal or emergency situations as required.
  • Support final aircraft assembly, system integration, functional checkout, and flight-readiness verification prior to aircraft release for flight operations.
  • Conduct and support aircraft ground checks, pre-flight inspections, functional check flights, post-flight inspections, and discrepancy resolution.
  • Work directly with engineering and production teams to troubleshoot aircraft and subsystem issues and support corrective actions and design improvements.
  • Provide pilot and operational feedback to engineering during aircraft development, integration, and test.
  • Assist with mechanical, electrical, avionics, payload, and flight-control system integration.
  • Support aircraft maintenance, servicing, repairs, modifications, and configuration changes.
  • Participate in flight planning, briefs, debriefs, test-card development, and flight-test documentation.
  • Document discrepancies, maintenance actions, configuration changes, and flight-test observations.
  • Assist with development and refinement of flight procedures, checklists, and operational documentation.
  • Support customer demonstrations and field deployments, including aircraft preparation, transportation, setup, flight operations, and recovery.
  • Maintain professional aviation discipline and comply with company flight operations procedures, safety requirements, and applicable regulatory guidance.

Qualification Requirements 

  • 3+ years of professional UAS, aviation, aerospace, flight-test, or closely related experience preferred.
  • Demonstrated flight experience operating both Group 2 and Group 3 fixed-wing UAS required.
  • Demonstrated proficiency manually flying Group 2 and Group 3 fixed-wing UAS using RC-style transmitters or equivalent external flight controls required.
  • Experience with launch, recovery, and manual control of large fixed-wing UAS required.
  • Military UAS flight experience involving direct manual control of fixed-wing aircraft using handheld transmitters or equivalent external pilot controls highly desired.
  • Experience with high-performance RC aircraft, turbine-powered RC aircraft, aerial targets, developmental UAS, or similar platforms highly desired.
  • Education or professional experience in an engineering discipline, including aerospace, mechanical, electrical, systems, avionics, or a related field, desired.
  • Experience with aircraft assembly, integration, inspection, maintenance, modification, troubleshooting, and functional checkout preferred.
  • Experience supporting developmental flight test, functional check flights, or aircraft acceptance activities highly desired.
  • Experience operating in a disciplined military, aviation, aerospace, or professional flight-test environment strongly preferred.
  • FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate required.
  • Demonstrated ability to work effectively across engineering, production, and flight operations teams.
  • Ability to travel domestically and internationally and obtain a passport.
  • Due to federal contract requirements applicable to this position, candidates must be U.S. citizens.

Skill Requirements 

  • Advanced fixed-wing manual flight skills and strong understanding of fixed-wing aircraft handling and aerodynamics.
  • Strong mechanical aptitude and hands-on technical skills.
  • Ability to use common hand tools, power tools, and aircraft support equipment safely and effectively.
  • Familiarity with aircraft systems, wiring, electronics, avionics, flight controls, or mechanical assemblies.
  • Ability to follow technical instructions, assembly procedures, flight procedures, and operational checklists.
  • Strong situational awareness, judgment, attention to detail, and ability to operate effectively in a developmental flight-test environment.
  • Ability to identify, document, and communicate aircraft discrepancies and provide meaningful operational feedback to engineering teams.
  • Effective communication and teamwork skills.
  • Basic computer proficiency, including Microsoft Office products.

Physical Requirements

  • Must have the ability to lift and/or carry 45 lbs.
  • Ability to work for extended periods at computer workstation/keyboard.
  • Ability to type accurately and efficiently.
  • The position will require walking, standing, squatting, crouching, stooping, lifting, climbing, pulling, pushing, sitting, repetitive motion and kneeling.

Ideal Aerosmith is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or any other characteristic protected by law. Our goal is to create a work environment that celebrates diversity and inclusion, where all employees feel respected and valued. We encourage applications from all qualified individuals and strive to provide equal employment opportunities to everyone.